THE best (and worst) of Chester’s architectural sights have received honours as part of an annual awards ceremony.

Chester Civic Trust has named ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ buildings and features within the city.

Topping the accolades to receive the ‘chairman’s special award’ was the newly-built Brindley Place in Hoole Lane.

The apartment block was created for residents following the destruction of the old flats in a petrol-fuelled explosion from a former tenant in July 2009.

Building and features which have received upgrades make up the majority of praiseworthy awards. They include the refurbished Chester Town Hall, Queen’s Park suspension bridge in Handbridge and the new extension on Mickle Trafford Primary School.

Peter Hadfield, chairman of the judging panel, said: “Despite the recession, there were lots of entries in particular in the ‘Good’ category and the judges were impressed with the quality of the nominated schemes.

“A presentation lunch attended by councillors, Cheshire West and Chester Council officers and many other award winners was held at Bishop Lloyd’s Palace to congratulate all those involved.

“The Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Chester and District Housing Trust for their new social housing development, Brindley Place, in Hoole Lane.

“The judges liked the simple but elegant design and asked why all social housing schemes can’t look this good.”

Council leader Cllr Mike Jones said: “We are very pleased to have received three awards for the refurbishment of Chester Town Hall and the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge and the extension to Mickle Trafford School.

“All three schemes were very different and the aim was to make sure that they were all fit for purpose as well as aesthetically pleasing.”